Current as of: October 25, 2019 - 13:59 Valid for departures: From October 10, 2019 to December 31, 2030

Contrasts of and the Self-Guided Walk Trip Notes

 Ways to Travel: Self-Guided Holidays 9 Days Land only Trip Code:  Destinations: Adventure Holidays in Min age: 8 Leisurely / Moderate  Programmes: Walking & Trekking W08AL

Trip Overview

Your holiday starts in the heart of the wine country and takes you west through ancient forest and into the Vosges , straddling the French and German border. Here you'll discover the crumbling ruins of once-mighty hilltop castles and vivid reminders of Europe's wartime past.

At a Glance

 8 Nights, hotel-to-hotel  6 Days walking (Including one optional walk)  Headwater wine service  Route notes and maps provided  Luggage transfers between hotels

 Countries visited: Adventure Holidays in France

Trip Highlights

 Walk along the world-famous Camino de Santiago  Authentic medieval villages on the Route including France's 2nd most beautiful village,  Off-the-beaten-track walking in the picturesque Vosges National Park  Ancient forest and awe-inspiring hilltop chateaux  Sweeping vineyards (some with Grand Cru status) and some of the region's finest wine producers  Stay in one of France's oldest Auberges in Ribeauville

Is This Trip for You?

This is a self-guided tour, as such there will be no group or tour leader and you are free to complete the walks at your own pace. Please bear in mind that although this is a self-guided holiday, the atmosphere in the hotels tends to be quite social and they will sometimes place walkers together at breakfast and dinner. We have suggested that 8yrs is the minimum age for this trip, but as it is self-guided and you will be leading your own family we will ultimately leave this decision up to you.

You'll enjoy idyllic walking through fragrant pine forest and sprawling vineyards as you hop between the storybook villages and towns so typical of the Alsace region - think narrow streets filled with colourful, half-timbered houses and shops selling traditional, local wares (make sure you look out for the delightful Christmas shop in Riquewihr)! Connected by the world-famous Camino de Santiago, the places you visit are home to some of the region's finest wine producers and you'll have plenty of opportunity to stop for tastings.

Tearing yourself away from the Route des Vins, you'll head west into the Vosges Mountains, where you'll discover secluded woodland hermitages and the remains of once-grand hilltop castles. Here you have some truly inspiring 'rest day' options. A walk up to the incredible, 12th century Chateau du Haut-Koenigsbourg affords mesmerising views across the entire Alsatian Plain as far as the , while following the Tete des Faux walking trail you'll pass abandoned WWI fortifications and witness the remains of the former front line between France and . A bit of light relief then as you return to the vineyards and make your way back to idyllic .

Group

As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. A local representative is on hand to assist you and will meet you at the beginning of the week to go through the route notes and point out particular places of interest. Your luggage is transferred and route notes and maps are provided. Please note: the walking and luggage transfers included in this tour are subject to a minimum of 2 people (in total) booked on the departure. A supplement (payable in advance) to cover these transfers and sole occupancy of a room will apply if only 1 person travelling on a departure date.

Adult min age: 18 Child min age: 8 Child max age: 17

Itinerary

Land Only

Start City: Kientzheim End City: Kientzheim

Land Only Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive in Kientzheim Arrive at your hotel in time for dinner. (Staying at Abbaye d'Alspach)

Meals included: Dinner Day 2 Kientzheim to Ribeauville It's a gentle walk to the neighbouring town of before heading along the Camino de Santiago and over to the spectacular medieval villages of Riquewihr and Ribeauville. (Staying at Hotel de la Tour)

Meals included: Breakfast

Distance covered: 12 km / 7.5 miles Activity (hours): 4

Day 3 At Ribeauville You have several options today but we suggest spending time in the picture-perfect town of Ribeauville, on the Route des Vins. Explore the brightly coloured streets and squares decorated with Renaissance fountains or pay a visit to some of the most respected wineries in the local area including the Maison Trimbach, Domaine Andre Kientzler, Jean Sipp and the Cave de Ribeauville - the oldest wine cooperative in France. Alternatively, enjoy a walk to the fortified town of Bergheim and discover its fascinating witch-trial past, or perhaps take a bus to Selestat, a city of art, history and exceptional architectural heritage. (Staying at Hotel de la Tour)

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 4 Ribeauville to Today starts with a fairly steep but thoroughly rewarding climb into the Vosges Mountains where you'll find the majestic ruins of the Three Castles of the Lords of Ribeaupierre - Saint-Ulrich, Girsberg and Haut-Ribeaupierre which offer incredible views over Ribeauville and the surrounding plains. Rejoining the Camino de Santiago you'll arrive in the charming wine village of , renowned for its excellent Pinot Noir wines and an ideal place for a leisurely lunch and spot of tasting. Continue on to Thannenkirch and enjoy the relaxing spa facilities at your hotel. (Staying at Le Clos des Sources)

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Distance covered: 16 km / 10 miles Activity (hours): 6

Day 5 At Thannenkirch You have the opportunity to explore some of the 60km of walking trails which surround Thannenkirch today, but we highly recommend following the well-marked GR5 walking path up to the incredible Chateau du Haut-Koenigsbourg. It's easy to get lost in this imposing chateau which is perfectly located above the Alsatian plains, with the Route des Vins and Germany to the east, and the Vosges Mountains to the west. For something a little less strenuous, you could always spend the day relaxing in your hotel spa. (Staying at Le Clos des Sources)

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Distance covered: 10 km / 7 miles Activity (hours): 4 Day 6 Thannenkirch to After breakfast, we'll transfer you (25 mins) to the start of your walk in - you might want to pick up some supplies in Thannenkirch or Aubure as there are plenty of scenic picnic spots on today's walk! Descending on ancient forest paths you'll enjoy superb views towards Hachimette and Lapoutroie, as you make your way to Freland, home to the Maison du Pays Welche museum, a fascinating insight into the history, traditions and customs of the local people. Quiet lanes and footpaths lead you to the idyllic village of Lapoutroie and your hotel, Les Alisiers, where you'll find a wonderful restaurant with panoramic views over the Vosges! (Staying at Hotel Les Alisiers)

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Distance covered: 13 km / 8 miles Activity (hours): 5

Day 7 At Lapoutroie Today's optional walk is a memorable one. You'll follow the Tete des Faux walking trail through atmospheric forest, passing old WWI bunkers and infirmaries now reclaimed by nature, to the remains of the front line between France and Germany. It was atop the summit of the Tete des Faux that the two sides engaged in a bloody stalemate just 30 metres from each other during the First World War - the graveyards for each are currently listed as national historical monuments. You may wish to walk down to for a spot of lunch afterwards, before walking back to Lapoutroie. (Staying at Hotel Les Alisiers)

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Distance covered: 15 km / 10 miles Activity (hours): 5

Day 8 Lapoutroie to Kientzheim Enjoy the undulating woodland, heading to the little mountain villages of and and on to Trois-Epis, the perfect place to picnic with spectacular views. Visit some chateau remains before returning to the Abbaye d'Alspach for your dinner in a local restaurant, which is included. (Staying at Abbaye d'Alspach)

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Distance covered: 20 km / 12 miles Activity (hours): 6

Day 9 Leave Kientzheim Meals included: Breakfast

All ascents, descents and distances listed above have been measured by our local partners or tour leaders. Please note that different GPS measuring devices can give differing results dependent on the barometric pressures at the time. Measurements stated throughout these trips notes are given to help you understand the types of terrain and distances you will encounter.

Accommodation Hotels All of the hotels we've picked for you offer great local cuisine along with superb wine lists! In Thannenkirch your hotel is nestled beautifully at the foot of the Mountain, with an indoor swimming pool and spa; while your hilltop hotel in Lapoutroie boasts an impressive restaurant with panoramic views over the Vosges.

Where a single supplement is available, paying for a single only guarantees a room for single use. It does not always mean a twin or double room will be provided for sole occupancy.

Single supplement from $496.00 USD

Food & Transport

Eating & Drinking

Continental breakfasts and 6 evening meals.

Transportation Your luggage is transported from hotel to hotel for you. On day 6 you will be transfered 25 minutes to Aubure, where you will start your walk.

Weather & Seasonality

When to go Each September Ribeauville town celebrates one of the oldest festivals in Alsace; the Fete des Menetriers (Festival of the Minstrels). In the 8th century, Ribeauville was passed to the Lord of Rappolstein (the protector of the wandering minstrels). If you look carefully, you will see evidence of the Piper.

Weather Information Alsace offers an ideal climate for walking, with pleasant temperatures and high levels of sunshine. The warmest month to visit is July, with an average temperature of 20oC. The region is much drier than some of the neighbouring regions, is France's second driest town. The wettest month to visit is May, so remember your waterproofs.

Weather Charts

Joining Instructions

The tour itself normally begins at the start hotel in Kientzheim on the afternoon of Day 1 of the itinerary.

Tour prices do not include rail or station transfers

Fly to Basel airport then rail Basel St Louis to Colmar 14:30/15:05 Mon-Fri & 15:30/16:04 Sat & Sun and taxi (pay locally) or pre- booked transfer (inquire for details and prices) to hotel 15 minutes. Return: Taxi (pay locally) or pre-booked Transfer (inquire for prices) to station 15 minutes then rail Colmar to Basel St Louis 13:26/14:01 then fly out of Basel airport.

Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.

Arrival Details If you are making a land only booking transfers are available for a supplement.

Location start: Ammerschwihr Location end: Ammerschwihr

What to Take Essential Equipment

Walking boots Water bottle Daypack Sun hat, sun cream and sunglasses Warm jumper Waterproofs

Optional Equipment

Walking poles

Swimwear

Reading List

 The Michelin Green Guide to Alsace, and Champagne.  Lonely Planet Guide to Alsace.

Practical Information Passport Adventure Holidays in France

Most nationalities, including US, require a full passport that must be valid beyond the intended length of stay. It is your responsibility to have the correct personal documents and to obtain your own visa, if one is necessary, in accordance with the regulations of the country you are to visit. The information below is primarily for US passport holders, and other nationalities should check with their travel agent or the relevant embassies. We are not responsible for the actions of local immigration and customs officials, whether at points of entry or otherwise, and any subsequent effects. Visa Adventure Holidays in France

No visa required for US passport holders.

For further travel advice please visit U.S. State Department at https://www.state.gov/travelers/

Visa regulations can change without notice: please check the current regulations in good time to obtain a visa if one is required.

Vaccination Adventure Holidays in France

There are no specific health risks.

Travel health can often be something people forget about before going away, but a little preparation and knowledge can go a long way to help you stay fit and healthy while abroad.

The above information can change at short notice; as we are not qualified to answer all your questions about travel health we strongly recommend you contact your Medical Professional or a Travel Health Clinic at least 8 weeks prior to departure for up-to-date information. Please note: vaccinations that are routinely recommended to residents of North America or Australasia are not considered to form part of the travel health advice, and you should ensure these are kept up to date where necessary.

For additional information please visit: Centers for Disease Control C.D.C at https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel

Insurance - are you adequately covered?

It is a condition of joining any of our holidays that you must be fully insured against medical and personal accident risks (to include repatriation costs and air ambulance or helicopter rescue services where appropriate). On arrival in destination for your trip, you will be asked to present details to your leader or local representative of your policy.

If you are resident of the United States, we recommend the Travelex Travel Select travel insurance policy, this is specifically designed to cover all activities on your trip. If arranging your own policy please ensure that you are covered for all activities that are part of the trip, optional activities that you intend to take part in and/or on high altitude itineraries, that you are covered up to the maximum altitude of the trip.

Local Time

Adventure Holidays in France's Timezone: Europe/Paris CET (GMT +01:00)

Electricity

Adventure Holidays in France's Electricity: European plug - 2 round pins. 230 Volts AC.

Money Adventure Holidays in France's Currency

The national currency of France is the Euro (EUR), with an exchange rate at the time of publication (October 2017) of approximately 0.84 to the USD, 0.67 to the CAD, 0.66 to the AUD and 0.59 to the NZD.

ATM Availability

ATMs are widely available, but we recommend taking some Euros cash with you in case you can't get to a bank at the start of the trip. Cards are widely accepted.

Extra Expenses & Spending Money You will need spending money for meals not included in the itinerary and all drinks. We suggest €25 per day to cover a few drinks if not then €10 per day. On the days where lunch is not included expect to spend €10-€15.

Responsible Tourism

At Breakaway we believe in the power of Responsible Travel. Every time we travel, we are part of a global movement that creates jobs, builds more sustainable societies, encourages cultural understanding and safeguards common natural and cultural heritage.

Important Information

On all guided trips

Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely partake in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorize them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity. Although rarely enforced, by booking this trip you agree to section 5 of our Booking Conditions which clearly states that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these circumstances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.

On all trips

In booking this trip you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability you should call the Breakaway office and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.

In an emergency, please contact our 24 hour out of hours service on +44 (0) 844 326 7041.

Every time that you travel abroad you should take the time to read the warnings in the essential information in the brochure.

Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers, and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately 2 to 3 weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.

The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; in order to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, as stated in our brochure, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons - climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.

TRAVEL AWARE –STAY SAFE & HEALTHY ABROAD

The U.S. State Department has up-to-date advice on staying safe and healthy abroad. For more on security, local laws, plus passport and visa information, see https://www.state.gov/travelers/

Keep informed of current travel health news by visiting Centers for Disease Control C.D.C at https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel

Advice can change so check regularly for updates.

For all latest travel information about your holiday, please visit our Travel Safety Advice page.

How to Book

Ready to book? Please contact Breakaway Adventures on Tel: 1-800-567-6286;

International Tel: +1-843-856-9771.

https://www.breakaway-adventures.com

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